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Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Bundled on the island hopping package of 1,800 pesos we availed of is Puting Buhangin and Kwebang Lampas (the other being Dampalitan Beach) was the lifesaver of the trip to Quezon Province. No longer part of Padre Burgos but on the Municipality of Pagbilao so we had to travel 45 minutes or so from Borawan Island. We left Borawan at around 8pm so our arrival waa perfect for a good dip by the beach of Puting Buhangin. This is where we really got enjoy swimming because of it fine white sand and clear water.

PUTING BUHANGIN and Kwebang Lampas Pagbilao Quezon

On approach, one cannot miss the giant chimney of Pagbilao Power Plant. Somewhat an eyesore to the remote landscape of the place but see it disappear in sight as you get closer to the beach of Puting Buhangin.

Here, all you see are coconuts and the happy faces of people who obviously enjoy the beauty of the place. Many people also camp here overnight. The trees beyond the beach front offers a welcome respite from the hot sun. Quite spacious for camping although I would still prefer the rocky and irregular contour of Borawan Island Resort kahit me kamahalan ang place. It was here when I realized that water in the area is indeed a scarcity which explains why it is expensive. Fresh water in Puting Buhangin is actually more pricey with a price tag of 50 pesos per container.

We walked the whole streach of the beach and settled on the other end to swim for a few minutes then went back to where our boad was docked near what they call Kwebang Lambas. Kweba is the Filipino word for cave. We had to walk through chest-deep water to get to the mouth of the cave which is actually only a few meters away from the shorline. Not so much of an effort really except that one has to be careful with the rocky portions. The water inside the cave is low, only knee deep at that time. Wasn't sure though if it was high tide or low tide then.

The cave is pretty small and short. A few meters and you are on the other end where you can exit, that is if you want to swim through a few meters deep water. So what most people do is go back to the main entrance. It was almost lunchtime when we were there but the temperature inside the cave is noticeably cool. No wonder why some people gather in groups and chill out seated on the rocks. I noticed a few teenagers with their beer bottles occupying a section of the cave. Nice place to chill.

I think we only stayed for a few hours in Puting Buhangin. Strange though that we felt like we stayed the whole day. Perhaps that's the kind of satisfaction you get when you are happy with what you see and content with the experience no matter how brief it is. Also maybe because we felt relived that despite the small discontent we had in Borawan Island where we camped, Puting Buhangin was the saving grace of this trip. We left smiling.

Would we have camped here instead? Definitely yes, I think it is agood option. Crowd here is also noticeably hip, mostly teenagers in contrast to young professionals in Borawan who are willing to pay more to have a more exclusive place. I am nnot saying being a teenager and not earning yet is bad, it is a matter of advantage in this case. So if you want the young, hip crowd, this is where they camp overnight. Must be fun at night. hahaha!

HOW DO YOU GET TO PUTING BUHANGIN

1. Take Jack Liner or LLI (Lucena Line Inc.) bus from Buendia or Kamias Stations to Lucena City Grand Terminal.

2. Mini-bus from Lucena City Grand Terminal to Padre Burgos Quezon Province.
3. Tricycle to port (depending on who your contact is)
Note: there are three set-off points to the island depending on your contact. These are three different Barangays in Padre Burgos with local associations taking care of guests.
4. Boat Transfer to Borawan Island (Island Hopping Package includes Puting Buhangin and Dampalitan Beach).

CONTACT PERSON:
Vanessa –09151067594 / 09094001022

many local operators also left their contacts in the comment section of my post on Borawan Island.
Make sure you do personal verification if they are legitimate of not. Enjoy!!!

33 comments:

Hi Pusang Kalye,I also want to visit these beaches. Might be a silly question but.... are there any scary creepy crawlies you noticed in the waters and cave? In your Borawan post, you mentioned the jellyfish so thanks for that. Most blogs don't mention these things and they could be important to some people. Like me. Your posts are great because you put all the cards on the table. Much appreciated! Hope my question is okay. Sensya na po! :)